DA distributes feed assistance to Pampanga duck raisers
Duck raisers from Pampanga are benefiting from a feed distribution program of the Department of Agriculture to help ensure food security.
Duck raisers from Pampanga are benefiting from a feed distribution program initiated by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu. The program is part of the Department of Agriculture’s broader efforts to strengthen livestock farming, particularly poultry like ducks, providing more income-generating opportunities for farmers and enhancing food security.
Central Luzon, home to over half of the nation’s duck population, has consistently been a leader in both duck meat and egg production, contributing 27% of the national supply of duck meat and 56% of duck eggs. In 2024, the region recorded a total duck inventory of 4.9 million heads, with Pampanga alone accounting for nearly 60%.
However, duck raisers face numerous challenges, especially the high costs of feed ingredients. Toward this end, the DA has several support measures for the industry, including free avian influenza testing, feed assistance, and post-harvest facilities to ensure the sector’s continued growth.
Mr Tiu Laurel said the expected commercial availability of some solutions this year should help address the health risks to Pampanga’s poultry population, including ducks and quail.
Under the feed assistance program, duck raisers registered in the Registry System for Basic Sector in Agriculture (RSBSA) can receive between 9 and 17 50-kg bags of feed, each weighing 50 kilograms, amounting to between USD 260–490 per beneficiary. To qualify, duck raisers must own at least 100 ducks, with the program capping assistance at 2000 ducks, regardless of the number registered in the RSBSA.
Nearly 1000 duck raisers from Pampanga’s fourth district—including those from Candaba, San Luis, San Simon, and Apalit—will benefit from this initiative, designed to help stabilize the industry and boost productivity.
The program will be fine-tuned into a multi-year program and might be expanded to other parts of the country. Mr Tiu Laurel noted that while the feed distribution initiative is a relatively small project, it would provide “vital support” to the duck industry and help the government achieve a food-secure Philippines.
